BROOKHAVEN — Natchez High School was one game short of a region title, but Brookhaven High School slammed that door shut.

Brookhaven clinched the Region 3-5A title Saturday with a 12-2 win against the Bulldogs in five innings at home.

The Bulldogs committed seven errors in the game.

“It was just a bad game,” Natchez coach Dan Smith said. “We didn’t play any defense this game, and everybody knows defense wins games.”

Brookhaven jumped out to an early lead against the Bulldogs. Brookhaven utilized a three-run first inning and a six-run second inning to put the pressure on the Bulldogs early in the game.

Hits were also at a premium for Natchez. The Bulldogs had four hits from three different batters in the game. Natchez managed to post single runs in the third and fifth innings, but Brookhaven completed the 10-run ruling with a 3-run fifth inning.

“I told them, ‘We have Cathedral Monday. Don’t worry about this. Turn the page.’” Smith said.

Natchez had no extra base hits. Jadarius Ivory was 2-for-3 with two singles. Jatavis Melton and Tydarius Terrell both had one single each for Natchez.

Brookahven pitcher Tate Walley earned the win.

The game was originally slated for Friday night but was moved to Saturday due to weather.

Natchez still has home field advantage to start the playoffs. Cathedral will be Natchez’s final regular season opponent. The Bulldogs’ first playoff game is set for Thursday, and Smith said he is leaning toward giving Jordan Hamilton the start on the mound.